The UK has had two female prime ministers: Margaret Thatcher and Theresa May. We have something to be more proud of than the world’s superpower USA (which fell short of electing Hillary Clinton as their first female president in 2016) and even prouder than the growing superpower China who has never elected a female president. But does that mean that British Politics presents an ideal benchmark for female politicians?
In the struggle for a fair and equal world for women and girls, there is no option of giving up.
In 1972 on an entrance exam paper for a trainee programme at Merrill Lynch one of the questions asked was: “When you meet a woman, what interests you most about her?” Astonishingly, the correct answer was beauty. Low scores were given for those who answered “intelligence”. There was, of course, no similar question relating to men.”
As a former Cabinet Member for Housing, I was asked to contribute to a parliamentary committee regarding the benefits of the Olympics. I sat outside a committee room with other Lead Members from Olympic host boroughs. I was the only woman present – and the only woman of colour. The other Lead Members were all white, middle-aged men. When the middle-aged white clerk came out to take people to the hearing, I was left behind.
I waited...and I waited.
Finally, a rather red-faced male clerk came to take me in. He had assumed I was a helper to one of the other white male cabinet leads.
I stood as an independent candidate in the Tower Hamlets’ Mayoral elections in 2015 and managed to inspire over 26,000 people to vote for me during a period of difficulty, whilst facing mainstream opposition from all three of the major parties. This was partly because I had served in the administration of the previous Mayor, who was subsequently ousted in an election court, even though there were no allegations against me. In fact, I stood twice in the Mayoral elections and came second both times, competing against three mainstream parties. Although I did not emerge as the eventual victor, I see the result as a victory because I had the resilience to bear the criticism, abuse and false accusations and stand under immensely difficult circumstances.
I find women often expect setbacks, but we must be undeterred and be encouraged not to view them as the end of the story. Obstacles and defeat enable positive people to reflect and learn, rather than blame.
There are many examples of strong women who have refused to be fazed by discrimination, abuse and hatred. Gina Miller, who took the government to court over Brexit and is also the author of Rise: Life Lessons in Speaking Out, was subjected to vile online comments including, amongst countless others, “From the colour of your skin, you’re just a piece of shit”.
Labour MP, Yvette Cooper, was indirectly threatened by a Conservative activist who claimed to have paid “crackheads” to beat her up, and Liberal Democrat MP, Luciana Berger, received years of appalling antisemitic abuse from both the political right and the left.
#March4Women is a global solidarity movement, which takes place in around 50 countries in celebration of International Women’s Week. This year, London will be supported by singers, artists and activists. Bianca Jagger, President of Bianca Jagger Human Rights Foundation says, “We cannot face down the disasters unfolding across our world with half the population left on the sidelines. Women and girls must have a seat at the decision-making table.”
In our struggle for an equal, fair and just world we will stumble along the way but there is no option of giving up.
